Introducing the Suzuki SX4

Suzuki Auto South Africa have just released the new version of their compact cross-over. Introducing the 2014 Suzuki SX4.

When Suzuki returned to the South African market in 2008 they launched with two models: the Swift, a great-value small hatchback and the SX4, one of the first compact crossovers to appear on the local market. Since that launch, the Swift has moved on a generation and now it’s the SX4’s turn.

The SX4 is the second model, after the Swift Dzire, to be introduced under new MD Mr Yukio Sato, who previously headed up Suzuki operations in Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, India and Pakistan, where he achieved a market share of approximately 66% for Suzuki.

The Suzuki SX4 captures this change in Suzuki SA rather neatly, transitioning from a brand trying to establish itself and find its footprint, to one that’s grown and matured into an entity that can stand with the kids at the head of the class.

The design of the new SX4 is a bold change for Suzuki. The design carries a distinctly Oriental feel, with many of the small design elements combining to create a look that is undoubtedly Suzuki. The front bumper is large and chunky, with a silver lip on the front air-intake and fog-lamp inserts. The hawk-eye headlamps flank a deep tri-bar grill, which sends three distinct creases along the flanks of the car, converging at the rear.

The interior of the SX4 is an updated version of the design we’ve seen in previous Suzukis, with a well laid out centre console, with features including dual-zone climate control, CD/MP3/Radio with Bluetooth capability and the AllGrip models receive a traction mode selection option in the centre, allowing drivers to select either ‘Sport’, ‘Snow/Mud’ or ‘Auto’ modes for the off-road system.

The Suzuki SX4 is powered by a 1.6l petrol engine which produces 86kW and 156 Nm, connected to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or CVT, with AllGrip models directing power to the rear-wheels whenever front-wheel slip is detected.

Driving Impression

The chance to experience the new Suzuki SX4 took place in the rolling hills of the Magaliesberg, running from the main route between Johannesburg and Hartbeespoort, then heading towards the Olifantsnek Dam near Rustenburg. The route took us on some provincial B-roads, a dirt pass and some dual-carriageway driving.

Initially, driving an entry GL model with a manual gearbox, the SX4 performed admirably. While certainly not the fastest or dynamically pleasing, it does not leave one feeling disconnected from the driving experience. The steering is direct and quick, but also very light, presumably setup for town driving where most SX4s will spend their working weeks.

Overtaking required changing gear from 5th to 4th, sometimes even 3rd, but once committed, the SX4 did not have any issues overtaking the occasional truck.

On the dirt, the route offered no opportunity to truly examine the SX4’s heightened ground clearance.

Later in the day I was driving an AllGrip model fitted with a CVT gearbox. CVTs have come a long way since they were first introduced in the late 90’s, but they’re still not as good as a traditional automatic gearbox. Suzuki have tried to simulate an automatic by mapping in seven shift-points across the CVT range, but the result is still a whining drone and a power-band that seems to fluctuate throughout the drive. Thankfully, Suzuki has fitted paddle-shifters to the SX4, allowing the driver to gear down for over-taking or gear up for a quieter cruise.

The Suzuki SX4 is a generational improvement over the previous model. In manual 4×2 guise it offers good value and space, with the high quality interior and good looks the urban-warrior customer would be seeking. If you’re considering a small crossover, you would be doing yourself a disservice not looking at the small Suzuki.